Nicklaus says Rory McIlroy 'shouldn't have walked off'

Mar. 3, 2013
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland was 7 over par Friday through nine holes. He walks off the course on the 18th hole, his ninth of the day, and withdrew from the Honda Classic. / Stuart Franklin, Getty Images

by Steve DiMeglio, USA TODAY Sports

by Steve DiMeglio, USA TODAY Sports

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Jack Nicklaus said if Rory McIlroy had given it some thought, the world No. 1 would not have walked off the course midway through Friday's second round.

The Golden Bear, sitting in the NBC broadcast booth for Sunday's final round of the Honda Classic, also said he isn't worried about McIlroy, the defending champion who quit before finishing his ninth hole in the second round.

"He shouldn't have walked off," Nicklaus said. "If he had thought about it for 5 minutes, he wouldn't have done it.

" â?¦ He's a good kid. And he tries to do the right thing."

Right now, McIlroy is working out issues with his equipment and swing. He is scheduled to speak to the news media Tuesday at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Doral. He is expected to explain his abrupt withdrawal and the wisdom tooth pain he said was the reason behind it.

"If you're too good a player, the clubs won't make too much of a difference," said Nicklaus, who then added that he used three different sets up clubs and multiple golf balls during his career. "I always felt that if you were talented enough, the clubs wouldn't be a problem. And he's too talented a player.